Esomeprazole: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), a medicine that lowers the amount of acid the stomach makes. It is used to treat acid reflux (GERD) and oesophagus damage, to lower the risk of ulcers in people taking NSAIDs, and, with antibiotics, to treat Helicobacter pylori. In India it is a prescription medicine.
Also known as: Esomeprazole 40 mg, Esomeprazole magnesium, Esomeprazole tablet, Esomeprazole IP, Nexium, Nexpro, Neksium, Proton pump inhibitor, PPI, Acidity tablet
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Esomeprazole work?
Esomeprazole blocks the acid pumps (H+/K+ ATPase) in the stomach lining cells, so they release much less acid. The body must make new pumps to restore acid, so one dose reduces acid for about a day.
How to take Esomeprazole
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Esomeprazole is usually taken once a day, at least an hour before a meal, and tablets and capsules are swallowed whole. The strength and number of weeks depend on the condition. Ask your doctor to review it if you have taken it for months.
Side effects of Esomeprazole
Most people take esomeprazole without problems, and side effects are usually mild. A few rare risks are linked mainly to using it for a year or more.
Uncommon or mild
- Headache
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Wind (gas) or stomach pain
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing or a sudden widespread rash. Get medical help immediately
- Blistering or peeling skin, or sores in the mouth
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea with fever or stomach pain
- Passing less urine, blood in the urine, or fever with tiredness, which can be signs of kidney inflammation
- A rash on skin exposed to the sun, or new joint pain
- Muscle spasms, seizures, an irregular or pounding heartbeat or severe tiredness, which can be signs of low magnesium
Who should be careful
Esomeprazole can ease symptoms that come from a more serious problem, and it can cause problems when taken for a long time.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to esomeprazole, other proton pump inhibitors or any ingredient of the tablet
- Warning signs that need a doctor's check first: unexplained weight loss, pain or difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, or black or bloody stools. Symptom relief does not rule out a serious stomach problem
- Heartburn that lasts months, or comes with chest or shoulder pain, breathlessness or light-headedness, needs a doctor's check
- Long-term use (especially a year or more): higher risk of fractures of the wrist, hip or spine, low vitamin B12 and magnesium, and growths in the stomach lining called fundic gland polyps. Your doctor may review whether you still need it
- Older adults, osteoporosis, liver disease, lupus or low magnesium, calcium or potassium: tell your doctor first
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: ask your doctor or pharmacist first
Medicines and things that interact with Esomeprazole
Esomeprazole lowers stomach acid and is broken down by liver enzymes, so it can change how some medicines work. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.
- Clopidogrel (a blood thinner used after heart attacks or stents): esomeprazole can make it less effective, so ask your doctor
- Warfarin: clotting tests (INR) may be needed more often
- HIV medicines such as rilpivirine and atazanavir: levels can change, so the combination is decided by the doctor
- Methotrexate, digoxin and tacrolimus: levels can rise, so your doctor may check them
- Medicines that need stomach acid to be absorbed, such as iron tablets and some antifungals: they may work less well
- St John's wort: may lower esomeprazole levels
If someone takes too much
Taking one extra dose by mistake is unlikely to cause harm. Larger amounts may cause confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, a fast heartbeat, nausea, sweating or flushing. If someone has taken much more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient esomeprazole was not found on the CDSCO banned list text checked for this batch, but some fixed-dose combinations containing PPIs are prohibited, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Esomeprazole belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Esomeprazole
These medicines sold in India contain Esomeprazole. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Nexpro 40 · 40 mg gastro-resistant (enteric-coated) tablet
What is Esomeprazole used for?
Medicines that contain Esomeprazole are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Esomeprazole.
Common questions
What is esomeprazole used for?
Esomeprazole is a prescription medicine that lowers stomach acid. It is used to treat acid reflux (GERD) and oesophagus damage, to lower the risk of ulcers in people taking NSAID painkillers, and, with antibiotics, for Helicobacter pylori infection.
When should esomeprazole be taken?
It is usually taken once a day, at least an hour before a meal, and swallowed whole. Your doctor may advise differently for your condition. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
Can I take esomeprazole for a long time?
Only if your doctor advises and reviews it. Long-term use is linked to fractures, low vitamin B12 and magnesium, and stomach polyps. Many people need it for only a few weeks. Do not stop a prescribed course on your own.
Is esomeprazole stronger than omeprazole?
Esomeprazole is one half of the omeprazole molecule and is a similar kind of medicine. Both lower stomach acid. Which suits you depends on your condition and other medicines, so ask your doctor rather than switching yourself.
Sources
- Esomeprazole. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Esomeprazole. NHS (UK)
- Rabeprazole sodium delayed-release tablets: prescribing information (Amneal). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- ATC/DDD Index: A02BC05 esomeprazole. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)